As part of the UFC Vegas 13 main card on Saturday night, Chikadze pulled off a highlight-reel finish in his fight against Jamey Simmons after the former GLORY competitor uncorked a nasty head kick that led to a TKO finish just seconds later.
The win moved Chikadze to 5-0 in his UFC career, and afterward, he took advantage of an opportunity to approach White, who was sitting cageside taking in the action.
According to the featherweight prospect, he was asking the UFC president for an opportunity to compete on the upcoming card on Dec. 5, where several of his fellow Georgians will also be fighting.
While nothing is set in stone just yet, White admits he loves Chikadze’s attitude and a willingness to win a big fight and then call his shot to return to action sooner rather than later.
“That kid’s nasty,” White said about Chikadze. “He said he wants to fight again in December. I love this new breed of guys that are absolute killers and want to keep fighting. I love it.”
Lately the UFC has found a kinship in a particular breed of fighters who are asking to compete as often as the promotion will allow them.
Khamzat Chimaev famously made his UFC debut earlier this year and then turned around and competed for a second time just 10 days later while also fighting in two different weight classes. A third win for Chimaev has now earned him a main event fight against the No. 3 ranked welterweight in the world as he faces Leon Edwards on Dec. 19.
Former Contender Series veteran Kevin Holland has also made a name for himself with a perfect 4-0 record thus far in 2020 while picking up consecutive wins in August, September and October. Following his last win over Charlie Ontiveros on Halloween, Holland asked the UFC to give him the opportunity to compete again with a chance to move to 5-0 for the year.
Not only was Holland’s wish granted, but he will now serve as one half of the main event on Dec. 5 when he faces top-five ranked middleweight contender Jack Hermansson.
Obviously, Chikadze wants to join Holland in a similar quest to earn a fifth win in 2020 after he’s also gone 4-0 this year. Judging by White’s reaction to his request, it certainly appears Chikadze will get the chance.
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